Taking Refuge 2025
Living Yoga in the Kali Yuga
April 2025 – January 2026 w/ Ben Vincent
Taking refuge is a vow to a life of dharma – living in alignment with the ultimate reality and our true nature – on all levels of life. It is a ritual of returning to sanctuary, to what truly nourishes and sustains us, especially during troubled times. Taking Refuge is rooted in the teaching of the three jewels in the yogic wisdom traditions:
Living Yoga in the Kali Yuga – The Long Dark
We are living through dark times.
This is a time of radical disturbance and dis-integration in great nature and human culture. A time when humanity has lost its way – when fear, vitriol, suffering, and greed consume our consciousness, and we live in discord with ourselves, one another and the living world. A time when our deep wounds are surfacing individually and collectively, and the webs of self, family, community, country and world are fraying. A time when our collective actions and inaction violate and desecrate the sacredness of life. The ancient seers of the yoga foretold of this time as “The Kali Yuga” or “The Long Dark” – a prolonged period of darkness, dissolution and a-dharma.
Yet even in these times, life is Sacred.
Kali also refers to the power of time to destroy and re-create. In the cycles of life, creation and dissolution are ongoing and deeply connected. Humanity has been through dark times before. Just as the fallow times of winter precede the rebirth of Spring, so too times of darkness may be both a tomb and a womb. The Kali Yuga carries the hidden potential for life to renew through individual and collective healing, awakening and transformation. This will not come from the top down, but from re-awakening to the Sacred, remembering our interconnectedness, reimagining the way we live and bringing forth of the dharmic gifts each of us carries.
Your dharmic gifts are the medicine needed in these times.
The three refuges of dharma, sangha and teacher each play an essential role in sustaining us. When interwoven, they form the fabric of our spiritual lives: supporting our healing journeys, helping us return to the Sacred, and empowering us to bringing forth our unique dharma for the healing and awakening of ourselves and the world. Living Yoga in the Kali Yuga will be rooted in the three refuges. We’ll share the depth and beauty of holistic yoga practices, in-depth study of the Bhagavad Gita, sacred rituals, meals, stories, songs, tears, laughter, time in community, solitude and nature.
Will you to join us in Taking Refuge + answer the call of these times?!?
Program Structure
- Seasonal Retreats: Retreat is a sacred space from which to see ourselves and life clearly. A time to re-commune with the Sacred through Self, community, practice, nature, ritual, creative expression. Retreat is a ritual of honoring our inner call: to slow down, find rest, reflect upon, reconnect with and recommit to what is most important in life.
- Spring: May 16-18 at the House of Prayer (EHoP) in Collegeville, Mn
- Summer: August 8-10 at the House of Prayer
- Fall: October 5-8 at Camp du Nord near Ely, Mn
- Winter: January 23-23, 2026 – at the House of Prayer
Spring, Summer and Winter Retreats will be small group (16 people) immersive weekend retreats (Friday 5:30 pm – 2 pm Sunday) at the House of Prayer in Collegeville, MN. Fall Retreat for Taking Refuge will be at our annual Fall Immersion, Oct 5-8 at beloved Camp du Nord! Retreats will consist of:
- 1-3 sessions of yoga practice + spiritual teachings daily
- Morning / Evening chanting + meditation
- Time in solitude, community + nature
- Study of the Bhagavad Gita – Living Yoga in times of crisis
- Sacred rituals for individual and collective healing, awakening and transformation
- Creative expression (music, poetry, art, etc.)
- Myths, Stories and Songs
- Shared meals, laughter and tears
2. Monthly Satsangs : A combination of practice, teachings + study of the Bhagavad Gita, ritual and community time in Minneapolis.
- Weds. April 16, 6-8:45 pm
- Sat. June 21, 10:30a-1:30p (Summer Solstice Ritual)
- Weds. July 9, 6-8:45 pm
- Sat. Sept. 13, 10:30a-1:30p (Autumnal Equinox Ritual)
- Weds. Nov. 5, 6-8:45p
- Sat. Dec. 13, 5-8p (Winter Solstice Ritual)
Audio recordings of satsangs and retreats will be shared after each session. In person attendance is highly recommended for Satsangs., with livestream options available for those unable to attend in person. Retreats will only be offered in-person.
3. Guided Home Study and Practice: Readings, journaling, audio recordings and home practice to support your learning and embodiment of the teachings.
4. Optional Private Sessions – For those interested in more personalized guidance and support, you may add quarterly individual sessions with Ben. See “your investment” below for more info.
Our Study + Practice will include:
- What is the Kali Yuga – aka the Long Dark? What is the nature of this time?
- What is living Yoga? How do we do it in times of darkness?
- Darkness as womb and tomb
- Darkness and rites of passage, individually and collectively
- Facing fear and cultivating courage
- Healing, Awakening and transformation in times of darkness
- The living refuges of dharma, sangha and teacher
- Awakening + Empowering Dharma – As refuge, medicine and offering
- Holistic Yoga Practices: Asana, Pranayama, Meditation, Kriya, Mantra, Yoga Nidra and more!
- In depth study of the Bhagavad Gita: India’s timeless wisdom for living yoga in times of Crisis
- Seasonal Rituals for alignment with the cycles of Life, healing and transformation
- Finding stability, balance and peace in turbulent times
- Tantra and reclaiming the Sacred in the Kali Yuga
- Kindling the Sacred Fire of Transformation + Alchemy
- The Lotus of the Heart
- Caring for the Heart of the world through grief + gratitude
- Caring for the Heart of the world through compassion, devotion and dharmic action
Retreat Locations, Accommodations and Meals
Spring, Summer and Winter Retreats will be at the Episcopal House of Prayer (EHoP) in Collegeville, MN – 75 miles NW of Mpls. For 30+ years, they’ve been welcoming groups for retreat and spiritual practice. Renowned for its potent sacred space, natural + architectural beauty, EHoP is a sanctuary designed to support deep connection.
The House of Prayer is nestled on the edge of Saint John’s Abbey and University – amidst the remarkable beauty and sanctuary of 2,700 acres of extensive forest, wetlands, lakes, oak savanna, restored prairie, and hiking trails. Its been a place of learning and spiritual refuge for over 165 years.
Fall retreat of Taking Refuge will be the annual fall immersion at beloved Camp du Nord. Nestled in the northwoods on pristine Burntside Lake, near the Boundary Waters, this area has been a place of sanctuary for generations. 3 days of in-depth study + practice. Free time for hiking, paddling, sauna, massage and deep connection.
EHoP is designed to support both community and solitude. There are single and double rooms with twin beds, individual sinks, desks, chairs and reading lamps. The larger living/ dining spaces and restrooms are shared. The oratory and prayer room are available as quiet, contemplative spaces. In the spirit of community, we will eat meals communally. Each person will be assigned to a group responsible for planning and bringing/ preparing one meal per retreat. Meals will be vegetarian and we’ll do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions. We’ve done meals this way for years on fall immersion, and they are always wonderful! Accommodation on the fall retreat at Camp du Nord are in comfortable modern cabins.
Participant Testimonials
“Taking Refuge has been such a source of nourishment and support – a powerful way to be held by sangha and live in closer alignment with what is true for me. It is a gift of practices, teachings, song, story, ritual, and opportunities to be in community in a way that is real, unique and sacred. I haven’t experienced anything like it in my life. I have felt supported and inspired by the group, by our teacher, and by the beautiful space in which we have gathered. It has allowed me to see myself and my relationships more clearly, to feel more alive and connected, and more devoted to caring for myself and others. Gathering throughout the year has been the support I need to grow closer to myself and life. I feel so grateful for this program and for the way Ben weaves it all together. ”
“The Taking Refuge program is a great gift and an opportunity to connect more deeply with community, with dharma, and spirit. Ben has cultivated a sangha community so supportive of one another, that shares and encourages a commitment to living dharmicly in these times. I appreciated having this throughout the year and to find ways to offer service and more fully expand my practice into all areas of my life. The opportunity to take refuge in teachings, teacher, and sangha during times of darkness in our outer world, and to practice in the sacred Oratory at EHoP, is truly special.”
“This program truly embodies the three jewels in a way that held me and allowed me the grounding and resources to continue to work deeply with life. The power of a sacred community cannot be underestimated in its ability to contradict the feelings of aloneness or fear that are ever creeping in the times we live in. The retreats and were empowering and re-vitalizing… giving me practices, community, and guidance that kept me oriented toward dharma and supported in daily life.”
“This will be my third year taking part in this unique program and I can’t recommend it enough. Ben thoughtfully cultivates the experience of learning, retreating, and connecting in a powerful and supportive space, complete with community meals and time in nature. The three gems of Taking Refuge have become increasingly important pillars in my life and practice. Come join us, you’ll be glad you did!”
“Taking Refuge has been a profound and transformative part of my yoga journey, offering me invaluable tools to deepen my practice and nurture my soul. It has provided a compassionate and supportive community—a space where I can share, grow, and connect with others on a meaningful level. I am deeply grateful to Ben for his guidance and the sacred space he has cultivated, allowing us all to find refuge in our practice.”
Your Investment
Space is limited in this small group program to 16 people – There are currently 8 spaces still available. Spaces + accommodation preferences will be allotted in the order in which payment and registration are received. Rates are inclusive of program tuition and lodging – including accommodation in private or shared rooms at EHoP, and in communal loft spaces at Camp du Nord. You can upgrade to shared or private rooms for the fall retreat.
Private Room – $3650 Shared Room – $3250
Early Registration Discount – $150 off the above rates when paid in full by Feb 15. Payment Plans: $3850/$3450 – $1000 due by March 25, then $500/monthly beginning May 1 until PIF.
Optional Add-ons
Quarterly Private Session w/ Ben: $450 for four sessions, 1/ quarter throughout the year.
To reserve your space:
- Please email the completed the registration form to Ben@vincentyoga.com
- Submit a $500 deposit (non-refundable) through Venmo (@vincent-yoga). Payment can also be made through cash, check, PayPal (bvrocksteady@gmail.com). There is a 3.5% fee for paypal or if “paying for a service” via venmo to cover costs. Please contact Ben directly to pay via cash, check.
All payments are due in full by April 1. There will be a $150 fee for late payments and payment plans. All payments are final and non-refundable, unless your reserved space in the program is filled. If you choose to withdraw from the program, your payment will be forfeited. Other discounts and scholarships are not available.
Please contact ben@vincentyoga.com with any inquiries about the program, registration or payment plans.
